| The Spire | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Office building |
| Location | 5 Van Horne Av. Koningstad, Cape Cross Parish |
| Construction started | March 2007 |
| Completion | 2013 (projected) |
| Cost | €170-190 million (estimate) |
| Height | |
| Roof | 223m |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 45 |
| Elevators | 4 |
| Design and construction | |
| Owner | Various |
| Architect | Andres Pineda |
| Constructor | Gensler |
The Spire Koningstad is a tall mixed-use, primarily office tower being built in Koningstad's Business District. Designed by Andres Pineda of Gensler, it is one of the most modern buildings in Brunant. Upon its completion it will have a total height of 223 meters, making it the tallest building and structure in Brunant and the 13th tallest building in the European Union. And it has a platinum award by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for being a green, eco-friendly building.
Due to the cost of this tower, various owners and investors have a stake in the building, including the Mounir family[1] and other foreign investors.
Initial planning for The Spire begn in the late 1990s, work in 2007 and it is expected to be completed in 2013, with occupancy starting in July that year.
Planning[]
Rendering of The Spire
The Spire's design was planned since the late 1990s, when architect Andres Pineda designed a building inspired by spire designs. At the time it was near-impossible to construct such a building, due to the difficult design and massive costs.
Eventually there was an opportunity for redevelopment in Brunant and architecture firm Gensler and engineers werte brought in to study the feasibility of the project in 2004. The design was changed at the moment, elininating the rounded, tapering top, as the city and government had some height restriction issues. Planning began that year and by August the city had allowed construction permits, despite the opposition of some citizens and some owners of nearby towers. Many vocied their opposition to the tower, as it was derided as ugly and an eyesore to the lovely skyline of Koningstad. Others feared it would lead to the creation of much taller towers in the near-future, which many are opposed to[2].
Detailed plans on the tower followed as the site at 5 Van Horne was studied, the location of a six-story office building. Investors, including the Mounir family, other Brunanter firms and primarily a couple of Thai investors got on board the project, allowing for the purchase of the lot in late 2005, after the relocation of all tenants.
The building was demolished in April 2006 and work on clearing the lot occurred for several months after. Pending final government permits and inspections, work was rather minimal for several months. Eventually the constructors and architects were cleared to go ahead and the initial groundbreaking was set for March [[2007.
Construction[]
Early work[]
Groundbreaking ceremonies began in March 2007 and work on the foundations began quickly. In late 2007 the windfall from the global recession left some investors unable to invest more in the building and it was believed work might be put on hold, or the project cancelled altogether. While work went on in January 2008 construction was halted as several Brunanter investors were backing out.
Financial issues[]
For several months the just-started tower (an eyesore, as some called it) just stood there and there was even significant support for it's demolition.[3] But, by the end of the year there was yet again renewed interest in the project. British firm CLS Holdings plc went in with a €10 million investment and the El-Mounir family extended their ownership shares to a total investment of €55 million. With the Thai investors still in for €40 million and the entry of a Saudi investment group for €60 million (taking over the rest of the Brunanter shares), there were significant funds and interest to ensure the project continued.
Recent work[]
As work slowly resumed in April 2009, the government invested a further €3 million to the project, as well as expressing interest in having offices. The building core slowly rose by a few meters each day, and work on the lower floors began in February 2010.
But in August several construction issues were found, which put the building at collapsing with further added weight. Three months were dedicating to removing several meters of the building core and replacing and reinforcing the material.
Work was on track for 2011 and 2012, progressing faster than expected. In August 2011 it overtook the nearby SD Bank Building in height and in November it rose over Janowicz Place, at 146 meters, officially making it the tallest building in the country.
In March 2012, the core was finally topped out, at 222.2 meters, and several investors were invited to have a lunch on top to celebrate. Then work was dedicated full-time to constructing the floors. By Christmas 2012, 40 were completed and some 25 had been encased in glass windows. Work continued quickly and in February 2013 the final floors were added, with the building and the top fully coveredin the glass walls.
Interior work, which has slowly began in November 2012 was worked on full-time in the spring. Finishing touches and furnishings are expected to be completed by July-September, after which the tenants are expected to start moving in. An official inauguration ceremony was held in October 2013, though the restaurant opening has been delayed due to some issues.
Completion[]
The building is was completed and deemed habitable by September 2013, but final furnishings and fittings took until the end of the year
Several businesses have already expressed interest in being tenants here, with the government's Department of Finance and Vodafone Brunant already set to occupy offices here. Being such a modern and luxurious building, it is believed that The Spire will have among the highest rent fees in Brunant, which may likely leave office spaces unoccupied for some time. Management of the residences have already been awarded to Lovia's Landmark Group, which saw residents move in by October, though noticably some apartments were not sold by then.
The tower was the target of several BASE jumpers, which were apprehended inside in May 2013. In July 2013, French urban climber Alain Robert was invited to climb the building, which he did so in around 2 hours, 4 minutes.
Inauguration[]
An official opening for The Spire took place on 12 October, with fireworks, music and a lights show. Queen Helene officially opened the tower at the ceremony, along with Finance Minister Dirk Stenman. Freefall jumpers will be invited to jump from the tower as well.
Layout and usage[]
The Spire will be mostly dedicated to offices, with floors 1 through 32 serving that purpose. Floors 33 to 43 will be upscale residential apartments, presently being completed. The 44th floor willo feature a restaurant and the 45th an observatory with a 360 degree view of the city, accessible to the public for a fee of €6. Finally the top of the tower will have a dedicated mechanical floor.
| Floors | Space designation |
|---|---|
| 46 | Mechanical floor/spire |
| 45 | Observatory |
| 44 | Restaurant |
| 33–43 | Residential apartments |
| 1-32 | Offices |
| Ground | Access and reception |
Landmark The Spire[]
Landmark The Spire is the apartments at the Spire. Operated by Lovia's Landmark Group, they will operate in the same way as an apart-hotel, with full inclusive service provided at all hours. Floors 33 to 43 are where the apartments are located, with two on each floor. Monthly rent is expected to be at around 10,000 €, making it among the most expensive rental properties in the country.
Spire offices[]
While the offices at The Spire are not going to be the tallest in IWO countries[4] they are going to be some f the most modern and elegant. The offices won't come cheap, with monthly rent expected to start at around €20 per square foot.[5] Only one office has been officially been occupied, for Q Group, with the price possibly being a factor in slow occupancy.
Floors[]
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Gallery[]
See also[]
Notes and references[]
- ↑ They are also owners of Dortmund SFC and part-owners of Maxi Group.
- ↑ The government passed legislations in 2006 making it very difficult to get approval for any building over 20 stories in height.
- ↑ The owners of SD Bank Building and Janowicz Place were most interested in this.
- ↑ LLC de Gros in Libertas and Janowicz Place both have higher-up offices.
- ↑ Spire wbsite.